NLS9: 66. ADAC ACAS Cup (4h)

The NLS9: 66. ADAC ACAS Cup (4h) takes place at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Nürburg, Duitsland. This four-hour endurance race represents a significant event in the 2026 Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie calendar. The NLS series celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking five decades of endurance racing at one of motorsport's most challenging circuits.

About the Race

The 66. ADAC ACAS Cup is a four-hour endurance race that forms part of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, commonly known as NLS. The series was formerly called VLN before its name change in 2020. The ADAC, Germany's leading motoring organization, organizes this traditional event.

All NLS races use a combined circuit configuration. This layout integrates the modern Grand Prix circuit with the legendary Nordschleife. The series attracts a diverse grid of competitors, from amateur racers to professional factory-backed teams. Many teams use the NLS as preparation for the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, the season's highlight event.

The Nürburgring Nordschleife Circuit

The Nürburgring complex sits in the Eifel mountains near the town of Nürburg, Duitsland. The facility consists of two main sections: the Grand Prix circuit built in 1984 and the historic Nordschleife constructed between 1925 and 1927.

Track Specifications

The Nordschleife measures 20.832 kilometers (12.943 miles) in length. When combined with the Grand Prix circuit for NLS events, the total track length extends to 24.433 kilometers. The Nordschleife features 73 official corners, though many drivers count over 150 distinct bends along its length.

The circuit presents significant elevation changes. The difference between the lowest point at Breidscheid (320 meters above sea level) and the highest point at Höhe Acht (616.80 meters above sea level) exceeds 300 meters. Drivers face a maximum incline of 17% and a maximum descent of 11%.

Circuit Characteristics

The Nordschleife earned its "Green Hell" nickname from Formula 1 champion Jackie Stewart after his victory in the 1968 German Grand Prix. The circuit winds through the Eifel forests, creating a narrow, twisting, and undulating track. Weather conditions in the Eifel region can vary dramatically across different sections of the circuit, with rain in one area while sunshine occurs in another.

The Nordschleife hosted Formula 1's German Grand Prix from 1951 to 1976. A serious accident in 1976 led to Formula 1's departure from the original Nordschleife layout. Today, the circuit serves as a development and testing ground for major manufacturers including Porsche, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-AMG. These companies maintain development centers at the track. A single lap provides the equivalent of approximately 20,000 kilometers of road testing for mechanical and thermal stress evaluation.

Racing Classes and Participants

NLS races typically feature large fields, with up to 170 cars and over 500 drivers participating in a single event. The NLS operates approximately 40 different categories grouped into several main divisions.

24h-Specials (SP Classes)

These purpose-built race cars represent the fastest category. The SP9 class features FIA-homologated GT3 cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3 R, BMW M4 GT3, and Mercedes-AMG GT3. The SP10 class accommodates GT4 cars, while SP11 hosts GT2 cars. Additional SP classes (SP3-SP8) are organized by engine displacement, with "T" designating turbocharged engines.

TCR Touring Cars

This single class accepts FIA-homologated front-wheel-drive touring cars with turbocharged engines between 1750-2000cc.

VLN Production Cars (V Classes)

These classes accommodate near-production vehicles. Categories are differentiated by engine size and turbocharging (V3-V6, VT1-VT3). The V classes also include divisions for hybrid (VT Hybrid) and electric (VT Electric) vehicles.

Cup Classes

One-make series compete in dedicated classes. These include the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup (Cup 2), Porsche Cayman GT4 Trophy (Cup 3), BMW M2 CS, BMW M240i, and BMW 325i Challenge. A new BMW M2 Racing Cup class joins the series in 2026.

Additional Classes

Gruppe H Historic Cars accommodate production-based vehicles built before 2013, categorized by engine size. Alternative Fuel Classes (AT) support vehicles running on alternative energy sources.

Notable Participants

Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has participated in NLS races to gain the necessary permits for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. This demonstrates the series' role in driver development and preparation for major endurance events.

Technical Regulations

The NLS follows technical regulations established by the German Motor Sport Federation (DMSB). The series emphasizes simplified regulations and cost reduction measures. For example, the mandatory installation of FT3 safety tanks has been postponed, and data loggers are waived in certain V-Classes.

Balance of Performance

Performance balancing plays a key role in the top classes. In SP9 (GT3) and SP10 (GT4), Balance of Performance (BoP) adjustments affect factors like weight, power, and restrictors. These adjustments ensure competitive racing among different manufacturers.

Tire Regulations

Tire regulations for 2026 allow a maximum of four specifications per vehicle model and axle across NLS events, 24h Qualifiers, and the 24h Race.

Series History

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie began in 1977 when various motorsport clubs unified their individual endurance races at the Nürburgring. They created a common set of rules and a championship calendar. Over the years, the series used several names, including BFGoodrich Langstreckenmeisterschaft (BFGLM) and VLN. The series adopted its current name in 2020.

The 2026 season marks the series' 50th year, demonstrating its long-standing tradition in motorsport. The ADAC ACAS Cup, now in its 66th edition, ranks among the traditional races within this historic series.

Notable Features

Public Access

The Nordschleife opens to the public for "Touristenfahrten" (tourist drives) on specific days. Enthusiasts can drive their road-legal vehicles on the circuit during these sessions.

Weather Variability

Due to the circuit's length and geographical spread, different sections often experience varying weather conditions simultaneously. One section might have sunshine while another experiences rain.

Development Testing

Major automotive manufacturers use the Nordschleife as a primary testing facility. The circuit's demanding nature provides valuable data for vehicle development programs.

Racing Heritage

Sabine Schmitz, known as the "Queen of the Ring," won the Nürburgring 24 Hours twice and completed over 30,000 laps during her career. She became a local legend at the circuit.

The NLS9: 66. ADAC ACAS Cup (4h) at Nürburgring Nordschleife in Nürburg, Duitsland, promises close racing across multiple classes. The four-hour format tests both driver skill and vehicle reliability on one of motorsport's most demanding circuits. The nls series continues to provide competitive endurance racing in 2026.